Wilks called a zero blitz against the Vikings in the closing seconds of the first half. Unfortunately, the results were disastrous. 49ers defenders failed to reach quarterback Kirk Cousins, who connected with wide receiver Jordan Addison on a deep pass. Cornerback Charvarius Ward contested the catch, but Addison ultimately won the battle and sprinted into the end zone for a 60-yard touchdown.
Instead of going into halftime down by three, the 49ers trailed 16-7, ultimately losing the game 22-17.
"He knows he messed up on that call," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Wednesday. "... There was no necessary need for that, just because of the time. I have no problem with that play call, but when it's that time, you can't do that. That's not an option."
Wilks took to the podium on Thursday, speaking to the media for the first time since Monday night's game, and addressed the questionable play call.
"I take full responsibility for that call," Wilks said. "I have to do a better job and put the guys in a better position. We have good players. I know that, and can't really press the issue. And with that, moving forward, it's my responsibility to do that. So I wish I could take it back, but again, I got to do better."
RELATED
Ward came to his coach's defense on Wednesday, noting that the narrative this week would have been much different had the defensive back wrestled the football away from Addison.
"I feel like I played it good," Ward said via NBC Sports Bay Area. "I was in perfect position to make the play. Once coach calls the play, we got to go out and execute it. It doesn't matter whether he calls cover-1, cover-2, cover-3, cover-zero. If I'd picked that ball off, it would be a completely different story."
As far as the rest of the 49ers' defensive woes in recent weeks, Wilks praised the supporting cast around him, adding, "We're all in this together. I'm not hitting the panic button at all."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers reportedly 'intrigued' Daniel Jones, but QB signs with Vikings
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes the San Francisco 49ers could be a strong contender for quarterback Daniel Jones, who the New York Giants recently released. Fowler described the 49ers as a "viable option" for the former first-round pick. Update: Daniel Jones is reportedly... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan on blocking out online noise: 'Don't make someone else's reality your reality'
Kyle Shanahan takes a pragmatic approach to handling online criticism—he ignores it. The San Francisco 49ers head coach recently opened up about his mindset during a challenging season for his squad, which was once considered a Super Bowl favorite but is now 5-6 and... -
49ers announce roster moves ahead of Week 13 Friday practice
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez to the practice squad. To make room on the practice squad, the team released offensive lineman Cameron Erving. The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown. Gutierrez... -
49ers waive WR Ronnie Bell ahead of Bills matchup
The San Francisco 49ers announced Friday that they have waived wide receiver Ronnie Bell ahead of their Sunday night game against the Buffalo Bills. Bell (6-0, 190) was originally selected by the 49ers in the seventh round (253rd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. In two seasons...